Arashi Reef - Aruba Leeward Coast

Arashi Reef is where we go when we want a proper chill dive, the kind where you barely need to kick. Maxing out at 15 metres, it’s a brilliant spot for beginners or anyone who just wants to soak it all in without worrying about deco. We especially love it for the gentle currents – sometimes almost nonexistent – which makes for fantastic long bottom times. The reef itself is a pretty classic Caribbean scene, lots of brain corals and big gorgonian sea fans swaying with the surge. You’ll spot plenty of spotted goatfish sifting through the sand, and we’ve had some cracking encounters with hawksbill turtles here, just gliding along, completely unfazed by divers. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, like the cherub pygmy angelfish darting around the coral heads. If you catch it on a calm morning, the visibility is usually excellent, letting you see clear across the reef. It’s a gentle introduction to Aruba’s underwater world, and frankly, a lovely place to just potter about.

Location
Aruba Leeward Coast, Aruba, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.610000, -70.065000
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-15m
Difficulty
Beginner

Marine Protected Area: Westpunt

Best Time to Dive in Aruba Leeward Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Aruba Leeward Coast occur in January, averaging 27.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.7°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • February: 27.7°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • March: 27.7°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • April: 27.7°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • May: 27.7°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • June: 27.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • July: 27.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • August: 27.7°C (air: 28.9°C)
  • September: 27.7°C (air: 29.5°C)
  • October: 27.7°C (air: 29.0°C)
  • November: 27.7°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • December: 27.7°C (air: 27.4°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Aruba Leeward Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to Arashi Reef

Marine Life in Aruba Leeward Coast

Home to 92 recorded species including 55 reef fish, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 hard corals, 6 crabs & lobsters, 4 other, 4 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Arashi Reef

Based on average water temperature of 27.7°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories